When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Observe color and amount of urine.

Compare muscle strength bilaterally.

Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: This is the most important intervention because a high serum potassium level can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: This is not the most important intervention because the color and amount of urine are not directly related to the serum potassium level. The nurse should assess the client's renal function and fluid balance, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice C reason: This is also not the most important intervention because the muscle strength is not the most sensitive indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should evaluate the client's neuromuscular status and watch for signs of weakness or paralysis, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice D reason: This is another incorrect intervention because the deep tendon reflexes are not the most reliable indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should check the client's reflexes and note any hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia, but these are not the priority assessments.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is not the most important assessment because abdominal girth is not a reliable indicator of fecal impaction. Abdominal girth can vary depending on the client's body type, fluid status, and other factors.

Choice B reason: This is also not the most important assessment because breath sounds are not directly related to fecal impaction. Breath sounds can be affected by respiratory conditions, smoking, allergies, and other factors.

Choice C reason: This is another incorrect choice because bowel sounds are not the most important assessment either. Bowel sounds can be diminished or absent in clients with fecal impaction, but they can also be altered by other gastrointestinal disorders, medications, and dietary factors.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because vital signs are the most important assessment prior to initiating digital removal of a fecal impaction. Vital signs can indicate the client's hemodynamic status, pain level, and risk of complications such as vagal stimulation, perforation, or infection. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and temperature before, during, and after the procedure.

A. Inject in the abdominal area at least 2 inches from the umbilicus. B. Expel the air in the prefilled syringe prior to injection. C. Rotate injections between the abdomen and gluteal areas. D. Massage the injection site to increase absorption.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is the correct instruction as it ensures that the injection is given in a well-perfused area with minimal risk of injury to major blood vessels or organs. The umbilicus should be avoided as it may harbor bacteria or cause discomfort.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect instruction as it may result in a loss of medication or inaccurate dosing. The air bubble in the prefilled syringe should be left intact as it helps to seal the medication in the subcutaneous tissue and prevent leakage.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect instruction as it may cause irritation or inflammation of the injection sites. The gluteal area should be avoided as it has a higher risk of hitting a nerve or blood vessel. The abdomen is the preferred site for low-molecular-weight heparin injections.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect instruction as it may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. The injection site should not be massaged or rubbed as it may dislodge the clot or damage the tissue.

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When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Prior to initiating digital removal of a fecal impaction, it is most important for the nurse to perform which client assessment?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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